Stony Brook Police Building Community Connections One Cup at a Time

Stony Brook University police officers hosted their second annual Coffee with a Cop event in the Student Activities Center Plaza and at East Side Dining on Wednesday, October 4, after hosting five events last fall.

The event is part of a wider national initiative started in Hawthorne, California, as a way for officers to interact and build stronger relationships with members of the community.

“One of the challenges on a college campus is the population changes every year,” said Eric Olsen, Assistant Chief of Police. “That’s why we try to continue this effort year after year to get to know the student population.”

Students appreciated the chance to get to know the officers over a variety of pastries and coffee from Seattle’s Best.

“It’s a good way to get out in the community and talk to the people that are protecting you, especially with what’s going on in the world with the Las Vegas shooting. It’s good to have a connection with the cops and know that we’re protected,” said Jack Stanton ‘20.

Coffee with a Cop events have been hosted in all 50 states, making it one of the most successful community-focused police programs in the country.

“It’s a good unification with the cops. With everything going on, it’s good to be a unified community with the cops. There’s nothing to worry about, and they’re here to protect us,” said Matthew Metz ‘19.